Starting Again: Embracing Your Fitness Journey

23 Aug

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Today we are exploring a topic that I know many of us can relate to—starting again on our fitness journey. Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, but that's what we're here for—to support each other and find ways to prioritise our well-being.

If you're feeling like you need to start over or get back on track, I want you to know that I hear you. In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into the idea of starting again and share practical tips to make your fitness comeback easier.

I've been there myself—after a break, dealing with injuries and illness, and working on rebuilding my fitness and strength.

When I had COVID quite badly in April 2022, it took me almost a year, if not longer, to build my fitness back up. It was a slow journey, and at times, it was incredibly frustrating. I remember when I first started, even walking for five minutes was really tough. But I just built it up slowly, taking one step at a time.

I connected with my 'why'—the deep motivation that kept me going. For me, it was simply wanting to move again, to get back to my dancing, and to be able to walk without getting out of breath. It wasn’t easy, but I stayed consistent, doing a little bit every day or whenever I could, depending on my energy levels. Over time, those small steps added up, and I gradually regained my strength.

If you’re coming back from illness or a break, know that it’s possible to rebuild, even if it feels daunting right now.

Start small, be patient with yourself, and remember that every little bit counts. You’ve got this.

Read on to learn more……

Psst… Would you rather listen to these tips? Hit play on our podcast episode now for a more in depth chat on the subject! 👇

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The Journey of Starting Again

Starting again doesn't have to mean starting from scratch.

Sometimes it means picking up where you've left off and just starting moving again.

Even if you've been out of the game for a while, you still have the knowledge and experience you gained from your previous fitness journey.

Here are a few things you can do to make starting again with your fitness easier:

1. Start small with achievable goals

It's important not to try and do too much too soon. Begin by setting small, achievable goals that you can work towards. Focus on what you want to achieve now, whether it's feeling more energetic, stronger, or more confident. By setting fresh goals that align with your current desires and emotions, you can avoid the pressure of trying to get back to where you were before.

2. Revisit your "Why"

Alongside setting your goals, take the time to reconnect with your "why" - the reason behind why you're embarking on this fitness journey. By understanding your deeper motivations and the purpose behind your actions, you can establish more meaningful and long-lasting goals and motivation. Check out episode two of the Fitness Besties podcast for guidance on discovering your fitness "why."

3. Start slowly and gradually increase your activity level

It's important to start with what you can do now and gradually build up your activity level as you get fitter and stronger. Using the concept of bite-size movements and setting a low bar, you can ensure that you're making progress at a pace that suits you. Consistency is key, so focus on doing a little bit every day or whenever you can, based on your energy levels.

First Steps

Taking that initial step can be daunting, but remember, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. I've been there myself, dealing with injuries and illnesses and working on rebuilding my fitness and strength. It's definitely a process, and it's okay to start small and be patient with yourself. Here are some insights and tips to help you along the way:

1. Embrace the ebbs and flows

Fitness progress is not a linear path. There will be times when you feel motivated and energetic, and there will be times when you feel tired and unmotivated. Accepting these natural fluctuations and not letting them derail your progress is key. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, and remember that you have the support of the Fitness Besties community.

2. Tune into your body's natural rhythms

Our energy levels fluctuate throughout the month, particularly for those with menstrual cycles. Understanding and honouring these fluctuations can help you customise your fitness routine accordingly. Consider tracking your cycle and adjusting your activities based on your energy levels. Dive deeper into this topic and the concept of cycle syncing by checking out the episode on the Fitness Besties podcast.

3. Create a routine that works for you

Use this opportunity to learn from the past and create a new fitness routine that aligns with your current goals, lifestyle, and schedule.

Embrace the process of adapting and fine-tuning your routine, making it sustainable for the long run.

Remember, fitness is a journey, and it's about finding what works best for you.

To stay on track and monitor your progress, I've created a Fitness Habit Tracker specifically for busy women like you.

This tracker will help you:

Build awareness around your habits
Identify patterns
Make adjustments as needed

It's available for download on my website lisadawnbeckwith.com/tracker

Use this tool to stay accountable, celebrate your wins, and prioritise your health and well-being.

Grab it TODAY

Rebuilding After Breaks

If you've had to take a break from your fitness routine, whether due to injury, illness, or a busy schedule, it's important to approach your comeback gradually.

Listen to your body, avoid pushing yourself too hard, and prioritise recovery.
Here are some additional tips to guide you through this rebuilding phase:

1. Set realistic expectations

Understand that starting again after a break may require some adjustments.

Be patient with your body and know that it can heal and regain strength with the right conditions.

Focus on building sustainable habits that last, rather than aiming for immediate perfection.

2. Listen to your body Throughout your comeback journey, listen to your body's cues and be aware of any limitations or signs of fatigue.

Adjust your activities accordingly and don't be too hard on yourself if you need to take a rest day.

Consistency is essential, even if it means doing a few minutes of exercise each day.

Remember, something is always better than nothing.

3. Embrace the opportunity for a fresh start

Starting again provides the perfect opportunity to learn from the past and create a new routine that works for your current circumstances.

Embrace the ebbs and flows, make adjustments based on your energy levels, and focus on building sustainable habits that align with your goals and aspirations.

To sum up

Starting again on your fitness journey can feel daunting, but with the right mindset and strategies, it becomes an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Remember that fitness is a journey, and you're never alone in this process. The Fitness Besties community is here to support and empower you every step of the way.

If you want help on your fitness journey visit my website at lisadawnbeckwith.com/workwithme for support.

Keep moving, keep smiling, and believe in yourself. You've got this!